Indonesia outlines plan to limit under-16s’ access to social media
TL;DR
Indonesia plans age-gated social media restrictions starting 2026: 13+ for lower-risk platforms, 16+ for higher-risk ones like TikTok and YouTube. The goal is child safety, not internet bans, with penalties targeting platforms, not users.
Key Takeaways
- •Indonesia will implement tiered age restrictions: 13+ for lower-risk social media, 16+ for higher-risk platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
- •The regulations aim to protect children from harmful content and exploitation, with enforcement starting one year after signing on March 28, 2026.
- •Penalties will target platforms failing child protection obligations, not children or parents, aligning with global trends in countries like Australia and Malaysia.
- •The move follows concerns over children's exposure to inappropriate content, with nearly 80% of Indonesian children using online platforms.
Indonesia will soon become the latest country to pass laws restricting children from accessing social media, following in the footsteps of Australia and its neighbor Malaysia.
But unlike Australia, which has banned users under 16 from social media altogether, Indonesia is taking a more age-gated approach to its restrictions.
Indonesia’s communication and digital ministry said on Friday that it would delay children’s access to social media platforms: Children 13 or older will be able to use platforms the country deems “lower-risk,” while “higher-risk” platforms will be only open to users above 16 years old.
Platforms deemed “higher-risk” include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, the country’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said in a video posted to Instagram.
The measures are expected to be enforced one year after they’re signed into regulation on March 28, 2026.
Indonesia is not the only country passing age restrictions for social media use. Over the past few months, several countries have announced plans to restrict social media access for children and teens, including Denmark, Spain, France, Malaysia, and the U.K.
Indonesia maintains the goal is not to stop children from using the internet, but to make sure they use it safely and at the right age.
Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room
Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400.
Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit
1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately
Offer ends March 13.
“This regulation does not impose sanctions on children or parents. Instead, sanctions target digital platforms that fail to meet their child protection obligations,” Hafid said. The rule is meant to prevent risks “ranging from exposure to harmful content and interactions with unknown individuals to child exploitation and addiction to digital platforms.”
Approximately 299 million Indonesians are connected to the internet, and nearly 80% of its children actively use online platforms, the ministry said.
The government, referencing UNICEF figures, said around half of Indonesia’s children have encountered sexual content on social media platforms, and 42% have admitted the experience made them feel frightened or uncomfortable.
The announcement comes a day after Indonesia issued a warning to Meta for not curbing online gambling and disinformation on its platforms.